V A Purvin1. 1. Midwest Eye Institute/Methodist Hospital of Indiana, Indianapolis, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To report the occurrence of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy as a complication of treatment with interferon alfa and to consider the possible underlying mechanisms for this association. DESIGN: Description of the clinical findings in two patients with this condition. SETTING: A neuro-ophthalmology referral center. PATIENTS: Two patients, ages 40 and 51 years, undergoing treatment with interferon alfa for malignant neoplasms experienced sudden bilateral, sequential visual loss with disc-related field defects and segmental optic disc edema. INTERVENTIONS: Treatment with aspirin and prednisone in one patient. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity, color vision, Goldmann perimetry testing, and fundus photography. RESULTS: Visual loss was mild and generally nonprogressive. The interval between initiating treatment with interferon alfa and onset of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy was similar to that of interferon-associated vascular retinopathy. CONCLUSION: Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy may complicate treatment with interferon alfa. The underlying pathogenesis is probably multifactorial.
OBJECTIVE: To report the occurrence of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy as a complication of treatment with interferon alfa and to consider the possible underlying mechanisms for this association. DESIGN: Description of the clinical findings in two patients with this condition. SETTING: A neuro-ophthalmology referral center. PATIENTS: Two patients, ages 40 and 51 years, undergoing treatment with interferon alfa for malignant neoplasms experienced sudden bilateral, sequential visual loss with disc-related field defects and segmental optic disc edema. INTERVENTIONS: Treatment with aspirin and prednisone in one patient. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity, color vision, Goldmann perimetry testing, and fundus photography. RESULTS:Visual loss was mild and generally nonprogressive. The interval between initiating treatment with interferon alfa and onset of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy was similar to that of interferon-associated vascular retinopathy. CONCLUSION:Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy may complicate treatment with interferon alfa. The underlying pathogenesis is probably multifactorial.
Authors: I Kötter; M Zierhut; A K Eckstein; R Vonthein; T Ness; I Günaydin; B Grimbacher; S Blaschke; W Meyer-Riemann; H H Peter; N Stübiger Journal: Br J Ophthalmol Date: 2003-04 Impact factor: 4.638